Methods and compositions for detecting colon cancers

Abstract

This application describes methods and compositions for detecting and treating HLTF-associated neoplasia. Differential methylation of the HLTF nucleotide sequences has been observed in HLTF-associated neoplasia such as colon neoplasia.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 327,537, filed Oct. 5, 2001, the specification of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]In 2001, over 1.2 million new cases of human cancer will be diagnosed and over 0.5 million people will die from cancer (American Cancer Society estimate). Despite this, more people than ever are living with and surviving cancer. In 1997, for example, approximately 8.9 million living Americans had a history of cancer (National Cancer Institute estimate). People are more likely to survive cancer if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage of development, since treatment at that time is more likely to be successful. Early detection depends upon availability of high-quality methods. Such methods are also useful for determining patient prognosis, selecting therapy, monitoring response to therapy and selecting patients for additional t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In another aspect the present invention provides a method for evaluating therapy in a subject suspected of having or having colon cancer. The method comprises assaying for the presence of methylated HLTF promoter DNA in a tissue sample or bodily fluid taken from the subject prior to therapy and a corresponding bodily fluid taken from the subject during or following therapy. Loss of methylated HLTF promoter DNA or a decrease in methylation of HLTF promoter DNA in the sample taken after or during therapy as compared to the levels or HLTF promoter DNA in the sample taken before therapy is indicative of a positive effect of the therapy on cancer regression in the treated subject

Problems solved by technology

Although methods for detecting colon cancer exist, the methods are not ideal.

Digital rectal exams (i.e., manual probing of rectum by a physician), for example, although relatively inexpensive, are unpleasant and can be inaccurate.

Colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy (i.e., direct examination of the colon with a flexible viewing instrument) are both uncomfortable for the patient and expensive.

Double-contrast barium enema (i.e., taking X-rays of barium-filled colon) is also an expensive procedure, usually performed by a radiologist.

Because of the disadvantages of existing methods for detecting colon cancer, new methods are needed.

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